Boats anchored in Biscayne Bay. Photo courtesy of Emilio Labrador.
Located off the coast of Miami, Biscayne Bay is a 35-mile (56-kilometer) long, 8-mile (13-kilometer) wide lagoon. Cruising Biscayne Bay adds a scenic element to any Miami vacation, as you can relax on the water while taking in expansive skyline views. There are a variety of Biscayne Bay cruise experiences to choose from, some of which include:
Biscayne Bay sightseeing
A Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Cruise is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to explore Miami in an ambient way. The 90-minute cruise gives you the chance to photograph the downtown Miami skyline from a wide-angle view, as well as the Port of Miami, Brickell Key and Fisher Island. Another highlight is Miami Beach’s “Millionaire’s Row,” where you can see an exclusive stretch of sun where the extravagant homes of celebrities like Shaquille O’Neal, Gloria Estefan and Julio Iglesias reside. You’ll also enjoy some gangster history, as you’ll see the home where the movie Scarface was shot and the former house of American gangster Al Capone. Along the way your knowledgeable captain will regale you with local trivia and interesting stories. Tip: Sit in the front for the best views.
A mix of water experiences
To make the most of your time in Miami, why not combine a few experiences? A Miami Everglades Airboat Adventure with Biscayne Bay Cruise allows you to have two water experiences within one excursion. After being picked up in an air conditioned bus from your hotel, you’ll head to the iconic Everglades National Park to take a narrated airboat ride and learn about the local ecosystem while taking in natural views. After the ride the adventure continues as you explore the 1.5 million-acre (607,028-hectare) park for two hours on your own, seeing alligator shows, traversing jungle trails, photographing birds, canoeing, kayaking, cycling and more. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a 90-minute Biscayne Bay Cruise, where you can see the sites while sipping refreshing sodas and cocktails.
Exploring land and water
For those who want to explore Miami by bus as well as boat, a Miami Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional Biscayne Bay Cruise is a perfect choice. Begin your day riding around on top of an open-top double-decker bus, seeing the sites at your own pace as you get on and off at your leisure. The bus stops at 20 different spots, like the Miami Beach Marina, Art Deco District/South Beach, the shops at 5th and Alton, Bayside Marketplace, Little Havana, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables Downtown and more. You can choose to also add on a scenic Biscayne Bay Cruise to see more sites in a relaxing manner, as well as enjoy a unique vantage point for photos.